A new Xbox for the holidays! Well, the 2013 holidays

Owners of the 7-year-old hardware are learning patience is a virtue.

Late this week, sources told Bloomberg that Microsoft would release a new Xbox toward the end of 2013. Microsoft's Xbox 360 debuted in 2005, and the hardware is getting a bit long in the tooth after over 7 years.

"People familiar with the company's plans," told Bloomberg that Microsoft "hasn’t decided whether to unveil the new Xbox at an industry event such as the E3 show in June, or a separate event devoted solely to the machine."

This new information gives an extra measure of credibility to what was merely a rumor last June, when a 56 page document that appeared to come from internal Microsoft slides leaked on to Scribd, revealing a road map for the new Xbox (referred to as the Xbox 720). The described console included “an improved Kinect, a head-mounted 'glasses' display, and a major investment in cloud gaming,” Ars wrote in June. Of course, Bloomberg's recent story only divulged when Microsoft is planning to release the new Xbox, but the sources didn't give any details on what it would be called or what features it would include.

But as Ars noted back in June, that leaked road map showed that Microsoft would be “targeting a 2013 holiday season launch for the system in a $299 bundle with new Kinect hardware...and plans to sell 100 million units during the console's ten-year lifecycle.” The internals of the 720 console were described in different places throughout the document to be 6 to 8 times more powerful than those inside the current one. Still, the document was dated from 2010, meaning it could have simply been a wish list, or many things could have changed (or, of course, the whole leak could have been a fake).

While Ars was never able to totally authenticate the document, it's worth noting that shortly after it appeared on Scribd, a major law firm which represents Microsoft requested that the document be taken down. Bloomberg's sources seem to confirm that at least the release date from the leaked document was correct. But we may have to wait until the middle of next year or later to see how “right” this year's rumors were.

The improved Kinect is the only reason I have any interest in seeing this console. Gaming has moved back to the PC domain for me.

Funny how PC gaming was 'dead' for so long, but thanks to a combination of factors, now actually seems healthier than console gaming, thanks to:

- Steam being an increasingly awesome platform that makes PSN and XBL look positively archaic and anti-gamer (tons of sweet sales, very easy to use, developer-friendly, steady implementation of new features like steam workshop, greenlight, etc.)- Rise of MMOs, Indies, eSports and F2P games, all of which have taken to PCs more than consoles- Kickstarter allowing the development of both cool new games and games in previously-dead genres, with PC being by far the most common target platform

10x isn't hard to imagine, either, if they switch to an out of order PPC CPU and increase the core count from 3 to 6. Not sure how much that gets them though, when improving the GPU likely nets them more bang for the buck.

Was that rumour that one about the tablet plus console, or the one where there's a kinect set-top type 'xbox lite' box as well as a hardcore box? I'm impressed at MS's secrecy lately. Then again, we've another year to go before the all-singing, all-dancing, kinect/tablet/arm/hardcore mashup machine arrives. Will it be an overreach like PS3 was? What could Sony possibly be up to?

I'll probably end up getting one. My wife, who normally doesn't pay the slightest bit of attention to games, has been saying she wants a Kinect for a while and I've been telling her to wait for the next-gen system. $299 seems a bit on the low side though, given that the Wii U is being sold at a loss at that price point and isn't that much of a leap over the 360 (and assuming that Kinect adds roughly the same amount to the system price as the game pad). I worry that the $299 price is for a subsidized version that requires an overpriced monthly subscription to Xbox Live.

This may be absolutely bogus (be warned) ... but I like to think it was all tied up to Halo cycles. The original Xbox had Halos 1 & 2 and the 360 has had Halos 3 & 4 (ignoring the stuff in between) - the 360 came out in November 2005, roughly a year after Halo 2 was out (November 2004). If I can extrapolate with some license - the next iteration of the console should be out in November 2013.

I can't take any information seriously that still refers to it as "Xbox 720" for three reasons.

1. "720" may be logical since it's 360 times two, but it's been code-named Loop and Durango since then.

2. 720p is the lesser of the two current HD formats. Microsoft would not want to tie themselves to 720p when 1080p is practically ubiquitous now and will be definitely so next year, with 4K graphics on the rise.

3. "360" was chosen because it has a 3 in it, and they didn't want to be seen as "one behind" Sony. With Sony considering "PlayStation 4", Microsoft will probably try to incorporate a 4 as well. As 720, Loop, and Durango are all code and not the final name, I'm sticking with my prediction of "Xbox Forever (4ever)". It sounds cheesy, but it integrates the 4 and it's a name that looks forward.

That's my prediction and I'm sticking with it. But it's definitely not going to be 720.

Microsoft just need to keep doing what they have been doing so far: making a decent proprietary gaming PC. All they need to do is update the specs and it will continue to be the default option for gamers who want to play PC-style games, but can't be bothered with the hassle of an actual gaming PC. Add in some additional media features, and they will have a winner.

Unless the UI gets away from what it is in the 360, I'm going full on PC next wave. I simply can't stomach it. If the only computers I can get are windows 8, I'll still be fine... I will just use it like a console via STEAM in big screen mode.

I can't take any information seriously that still refers to it as "Xbox 720" for three reasons.

1. "720" may be logical since it's 360 times two, but it's been code-named Loop and Durango since then.

2. 720p is the lesser of the two current HD formats. Microsoft would not want to tie themselves to 720p when 1080p is practically ubiquitous now and will be definitely so next year, with 4K graphics on the rise.

3. "360" was chosen because it has a 3 in it, and they didn't want to be seen as "one behind" Sony. With Sony considering "PlayStation 4", Microsoft will probably try to incorporate a 4 as well. As 720, Loop, and Durango are all code and not the final name, I'm sticking with my prediction of "Xbox Forever (4ever)". It sounds cheesy, but it integrates the 4 and it's a name that looks forward.

That's my prediction and I'm sticking with it. But it's definitely not going to be 720.

First time I've heard of the reason you mentioned in #3. I heard/read/whatever that the 360 was chosen due to it aiming to be an all-in-one media device.

Also, I'm with you on the 720 name. I remember seeing a fake trailer for it in a YouTube video years ago. My assumption was that people saw that video and just stuck with the 720 name.

Speaking of fan vids, wouldn't it be nice if this came out with it too? KI 3

Microsoft just need to keep doing what they have been doing so far: making a decent proprietary gaming PC. All they need to do is update the specs and it will continue to be the default option for gamers who want to play PC-style games, but can't be bothered with the hassle of an actual gaming PC. Add in some additional media features, and they will have a winner.

If by winner you mean second place, sure. Kinect Adventures is the 360's #1 selling title, however, so I think you're wrong.

Unless the UI gets away from what it is in the 360, I'm going full on PC next wave. I simply can't stomach it. If the only computers I can get are windows 8, I'll still be fine... I will just use it like a console via STEAM in big screen mode.

This doesn't seem that unreasonable now. You can build/buy a decent lower-end HTPC/Gaming PC for $500 that'll play older titles at full-res, newer stuff at lowered details. Drop another couple hundred and it'll play AAA titles maxed out. Given all the stories I've heard of people buying multiple 360s/PS3s due to the old ones dying, a PC would make more sense. A handful of people are in better than $1000 on 360 replacements...but they're still stuck on 2005 hardware.

Support your local nerds - hand them a few hundred dollars and have them build you a gaming PC that'll blow away the next two generations of consoles today!

Unless the UI gets away from what it is in the 360, I'm going full on PC next wave. I simply can't stomach it. If the only computers I can get are windows 8, I'll still be fine... I will just use it like a console via STEAM in big screen mode.

This doesn't seem that unreasonable now. You can build/buy a decent lower-end HTPC/Gaming PC for $500 that'll play older titles at full-res, newer stuff at lowered details. Drop another couple hundred and it'll play AAA titles maxed out. Given all the stories I've heard of people buying multiple 360s/PS3s due to the old ones dying, a PC would make more sense. A handful of people are in better than $1000 on 360 replacements...but they're still stuck on 2005 hardware.

Support your local nerds - hand them a few hundred dollars and have them build you a gaming PC that'll blow away the next two generations of consoles today!

I've not quite understood why someone would buy a new console to replace the one they have that broke. Repair on them from third parties ranges $40-75 depending on the failure, around the cost of a game. I know several people who make pretty good money reflowing solder on 'dead' 360's and PS3's(lesser known that they had the same problem that caused the red ring, but made it another year or so before failure).

I've not quite understood why someone would buy a new console to replace the one they have that broke. Repair on them from third parties ranges $40-75 depending on the failure, around the cost of a game. I know several people who make pretty good money reflowing solder on 'dead' 360's and PS3's(lesser known that they had the same problem that caused the red ring, but made it another year or so before failure).

One of the main reasons is that most people dont know someone who can repair a console. Another reason is that by the time the console dies, there is a newer version out with better cooling, more HDD space, etc. And since the newer versions tend to fix the problems that caused the original to fail in the first place, and they have a new warranty, it can be more cost effective to buy a new one rather than spend a little money to take the chance that the repaired one lasts for a few months to a year or two.

Given all the stories I've heard of people buying multiple 360s/PS3s due to the old ones dying, a PC would make more sense. A handful of people are in better than $1000 on 360 replacements...but they're still stuck on 2005 hardware.

Support your local nerds - hand them a few hundred dollars and have them build you a gaming PC that'll blow away the next two generations of consoles today!

I think the biggest reason people spend money re-buying consoles is because they already have a lot of money invested in the games and peripherals. And nowadays with Achievements, Trophies, and friendlists on Xbox and PS3, there is a lot of time invested into the platforms as well.

*EDIT*I agree with your last sentence 100% though. I'm more of a console gamer myself, but playing an FPS with a kb/mouse is way more fun than with a controller. (I prefer a controller for 3rdPS though, I dont know why)

All they need to do is update the specs and it will continue to be the default option for gamers who want to play PC-style games, but can't be bothered with the hassle of an actual gaming PC. Add in some additional media features, and they will have a winner.

If by winner you mean second place, sure. Kinect Adventures is the 360's #1 selling title, however, so I think you're wrong.

By "winner", I mean sell plenty of units, keep the core demographic, and make a nice profit.

They should release new and innovative peripherals for sure. However, basing an entire console cycle on a novelty peripheral that is "hot" right now isn't a great idea when the XBox's hallmark has been its versatility for gaming.

If Kinect was a leap forward in control, it would be another story, but so far it seems to just be EyeToy all over again. The EyeToy was an absolute phenomenon for a year or two, but then disappeared into obscurity. I am yet to see any indications that Kinect will follow a different trajectory.

If Kinect was a leap forward in control, it would be another story, but so far it seems to just be EyeToy all over again. The EyeToy was an absolute phenomenon for a year or two, but then disappeared into obscurity. I am yet to see any indications that Kinect will follow a different trajectory.

Except 3rd party developers have unleashed the Kinect for so many non-gaming uses. It's hardly heading to obscurity. It's people like you that are so damn ignorant that makes me want to shut down the Internet.

The Kinect seems to be more useful for non-gaming purposes than it is for gaming.

First time I've heard of the reason you mentioned in #3. I heard/read/whatever that the 360 was chosen due to it aiming to be an all-in-one media device.

Also, I'm with you on the 720 name. I remember seeing a fake trailer for it in a YouTube video years ago. My assumption was that people saw that video and just stuck with the 720 name.

Speaking of fan vids, wouldn't it be nice if this came out with it too? KI 3

An "XBox 2" going up against a "Playstation 3" would have been marketing suicide. They needed something that would convey parity with the PS3, but could still be defensible as a marketing number. "360 degrees" describes a full circle, or a full revolution, and so covers both the necessary "3" for parity with the Playstation, while describing a "revolutionary" product.

As for 720, it was always nothing more than a sarcastic play on the 360 name, and at which this point is a meme in itself. It doesn't matter what code names MS comes up with, people are still going to call it "720" until the final marketing name is announced. Peter Bright has called it "4pi" which I think is an awesome name, but the MS marketdroids would probably find it far too geeky and have too much of an association with dessert.

3. "360" was chosen because it has a 3 in it, and they didn't want to be seen as "one behind" Sony. With Sony considering "PlayStation 4", Microsoft will probably try to incorporate a 4 as well. As 720, Loop, and Durango are all code and not the final name, I'm sticking with my prediction of "Xbox Forever (4ever)". It sounds cheesy, but it integrates the 4 and it's a name that looks forward.

That's my prediction and I'm sticking with it. But it's definitely not going to be 720.

I heard that 360 was more about Microsoft saying their console was 24/7,, full circle, ect. In other words it filled all requirements or something long those lines at least.

Except 3rd party developers have unleashed the Kinect for so many non-gaming uses.

Mostly by connecting it to the PC and developing the apps there.

It is an interesting peripheral for motion-capture apps, but I still don't see it as the future of gaming, or as the foundation stone of a new XBox release.

That depends on how much improved the Kinect is in 2013.

If they're able to up the resolution enough to be able to track fingers, that'll definitely open quite a few more doors. Developers would be able to use better gestures for working through the interface, and not just depend on flailing arms/legs (at least the launch titles did a horrible job for the most part with the interfaces).

I think it would be wise for Microsoft to add a stick remote (akin to what Sony/Nintendo did) to augment the Kinect. That'd be much easier than finger tracking (which seems to me to be the only thing they can do besides make it a bit more reliable for the existing stuff). At the very least, having a directional control of some sort on it (even just a d pad) would allow you to solve the whole 'moving' thing quite well, without having to just jog in place and spin around (or, more likely, just put the games entirely on rails). Throw on some buttons, just because you might as well, and it'll offer quite a bit of versatility.

Then again, while I find Kinect games fun on occasion, they'd never be something I regularly play. Same with the Wii... it's fun to do occasionally with friends, but it won't hold my attention.

Speaking of fan vids, wouldn't it be nice if this came out with it too? KI 3

Do you think Killer Instinct is still a viable franchise? I'm not a fan of fighting games, but while I felt KI was a little more varied and harder to game than Mortal Kombat, it never got out of MK's shadow. Then Microsoft bought Rare, and just stuck 'em in a back room to make the avatars nobody asked for. Pretty much wasted their talent.

Microsoft just need to keep doing what they have been doing so far: making a decent proprietary gaming PC. All they need to do is update the specs and it will continue to be the default option for gamers who want to play PC-style games, but can't be bothered with the hassle of an actual gaming PC. Add in some additional media features, and they will have a winner.

If by winner you mean second place, sure. Kinect Adventures is the 360's #1 selling title, however, so I think you're wrong.

I didn't know Kinect Adventures was available for sale outside the Kinect box. Odd since it's a pack-in. I would have thought Dance Central (one of them) was at the top of Kinect sales.

No, if every Kinect comes with Adventures, Adventures doesn't count. That's like saying Dashboard is the most used thing on the Xbox 360. And that's absurd. It's technically correct, but it's absurd. Maybe it's not Dance Central. Maybe it's a Disney game. I don't know. Dance Central just seems to me, as a "Kinect outsider", to be "the killer app".

But as far as Kinect as a pack-in, I say go for it if they can make it work. I think all that motion control crap is premature. Sure, it's serviceable, but it doesn't "just work". I'm playing Dance Central with my wife, and the 360 just decides to switch us. Just up and swaps the blue and the pink characters like we traded sides. So we trade sides, and it swaps back. Won't let me keep my gamertag-controlled character, nor my wife hers. Not to mention the boundaries. Not everyone has a living room you can land a plane in. Apartments, trailers, and even small houses are sub-optimal for Kinect. It's very unforgiving. iPod/DS gaming is popular because you can play it anywhere. 360/PS3 gaming is popular because you can play it in your living room on your nice TV. Nobody wants to have to take the TV and game into the garage because that's the only place they can get 12'. It's absurd. Replace it with a Leap (assuming that product is real and they weren't just blowing smoke) and we might have something.

The improved Kinect is the only reason I have any interest in seeing this console. Gaming has moved back to the PC domain for me.

Funny how PC gaming was 'dead' for so long, but thanks to a combination of factors, now actually seems healthier than console gaming, thanks to:

- Steam being an increasingly awesome platform that makes PSN and XBL look positively archaic and anti-gamer (tons of sweet sales, very easy to use, developer-friendly, steady implementation of new features like steam workshop, greenlight, etc.)- Rise of MMOs, Indies, eSports and F2P games, all of which have taken to PCs more than consoles- Kickstarter allowing the development of both cool new games and games in previously-dead genres, with PC being by far the most common target platform

The next generation consoles will also compete with the Windows 8 Marketplace and Mac App Store, both of which are far more mainstream than Steam and provide game developers with significantly higher profit margins and control compared to consoles.

I'm not really excited about this next Xbox, unless the hardware allows for some truly awesome games and has a low price.

I'm still looking forward to ps4/whatever but I really feel PC gaming is at the top of the list. I just prefer console BC it does lots of media on my TV in basement while drinking in a comfy couch . I got my ps3 when it came out, not one problem. I'll be buying a next gen Sony play-console-thing. I've also read Sony's name plan is Orbus although I can't recall from where I read this...

I think the new X-box release will be the keystone in Microsoft's plans to build a separate ecosystem, so it will be interesting from that perspective. I don't think Kinect will be the huge drive for the system that they think it will. Obviously it will have some effect just because of the inertia from its huge marketing campaign, but in the end it's going to have to provide enough increased novelty and functionality to generate the buzz they want. People have already seen Kinect, and it's no longer new.

I think a far more interesting/lucrative area of exploration would be biometric feedback, but I'm not sure if monitoring technology is up to snuff at this point.

I am hoping beyond all hope that they keep backwards compatibility with EVERY time dating back to the original X-Box. If the hardware is 6 to 8 times more powerful, there is no reason why they should not be able to write a emulator for XBox and XBox360 games.